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bay-like recesses and adding to prominent or jutting points. This, 

 together with the effects that may be produced by planting, will give 

 variety to otherwise monotonous outlines. 



In geometrically arranged flower gardens simple basins of water may 

 be introduced with good effect either with fountains or without them. 

 In these situations the marginal finish or connection between the grass 

 and water should be of an architectural description. Any attempt 

 made toward a rugged or what is usually termed a natural-looking 

 finish will certainly prove unsatisfactory. 



ENTRANCE GATES AND CARRIAGE TURNS. 



First impressions are strongly influencing and oftentimes prove to 

 be the foundation of lasting prejudices. A neatly designed and taste- 

 fully arranged gateway at the entrance of a property creates the favor- 

 able expectation of finding these characteristics pervading other im- 

 provements. An imposing entrance way therefore becomes an impor- 

 tant feature; but it should always bear a close relation to the general 

 style and scale of the situation, and if it is architectural in design, 

 should harmonize with the style of the mansion to which it is an adjunct; 

 at the same time it may be more highly ornamented, keeping strictly 

 in mind that no amount of mere decoration will compensate for any 

 appearance of insufficient strength or utility. 



Iron gates appear to greatest advantage when they are hung to stone 

 posts or attached to pillars of masonry. A single block of granite, 

 fashioned into a post forms a very satisfactory support for an ordinary 

 iron gate. Large, heavy, and elaborately constructed iron gates de- 

 mand heavier and more massive supporting pillars, ornamented to cor- 

 respond with the style and finish of the gate. The main or principal 

 entrance gate to any place, even of the most humble description, should 

 be placed on a line receding more or less from the line of the outside or 

 public road, being connected with the latter by a curved line of fence. 

 The extent of this recess will vary with the extent of the place, facili- 

 ties of position, and size and style of the gate, but 10 to 30 feet may 

 be given as a range. Even in places of quite limited extent the former 

 distance will be sufficient to give a decided effect without encroaching 

 too severely on the grounds, and will establish a largeness of expres- 

 sion to the whole surroundings. In placing posts for gates the mistake 

 is frequently made of setting them parallel to the public road instead 

 of having them at a right angle to the road to which they properly be- 

 long. When the private road leaves the public one at right angles 

 and continues in a straight line for some distance the gate will, of 

 course, be properly placed in a line parallel to the public road ; but 

 where the front lawn is small in extent and it becomes a necessity to 

 branch the road suddenly to right or left the importance of adhering 

 strictly to the rule of placing the gate at a right angle to the carriage 

 road will appear very conspicuous, for if the posts are set parallel with 



